The UFC returned to New Jersey and featured a highly anticipated light heavyweight showdown between Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and John “Bones” Jones. A total of $280,000 was handed out to the night’s most outstanding performers.
At the post-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White reported that UFC 128 earned $2.4 million at the gate and announced the bonus winners.
Edson Barboza and Anthony Njokuani were awarded bonuses for “Fight of the Night.” Both fighters received $70,000 for their efforts. Barboza earned a unanimous decision over Njokuani after three rounds of action.
Erik Koch had an impressive UFC debut with a first-round knockout of Raphael Assuncao. A well timed counter right hook earned the Midwest fighter an extra $70,000.
UFC 128 did not produce a single submission victory after twelve fights so an additional $70,000 “Knockout of the Night” bonus was awarded to Brendan Schaub for his late knockout of Mirko “CroCop” Filipovic.